Day 1

Our group will first meet in the Jackson Hole Airport in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Flying over the amazing Teton Range, many of us will get our first breathtaking view of the area we are about to explore! Once everyone has arrived and telephoned home we'll drive a short ten minutes to our campsite. Once there, we'll spend time getting acquainted with our new environment, our gear, and of course our new friends. Our first night is always a pretty entertaining one as we prepare a delectable dinner and play games that will help us get to know one another. Surely the best part about meeting all of your Wilderness Venture mates is looking back in two weeks and marveling at how close you have become to all of them since.  Finally, as the sun slowly sinks behind the Tetons, we'll crawl into our tents with dreams of our adventure a head.

Day 2-6

Our first backpacking adventure takes us into the high alpine wilderness! The Spanish Peaks Wilderness is filled with crystal clear glassy lakes, snowcapped peaks, and flower filled, verdant meadows. Initially, we'll begin walking low mileage so as to allow our bodies to adjust to carrying our newly acquired backpacks. Each day we'll learn new skills such as setting up our tents, cooking in the wilderness, and learning to read the map. Each day of hiking will  have two team members acting as "Leader of the Day." These individuals will carry the maps, as well as helping coordinate rest breaks and setting up camp. On one particular afternoon, we'll even have the option to take a short day hike leading to the summit of a nearby peak. Should we undergo this venture, there are few spoken words that can come close to describing the immense sentiment of accomplishment that we'll all feel standing tall on top of the world.

Day 7

Following our fascinating backcountry walk, we'll change up modes of transportation and hit the whitewater! Today we'll hop in some rafts and take to the Gallatin River. Before we start however, our professional river guides will show us proper paddling techniques so that we're well prepared when we encounter the big waves. Luckily enough, not only does this section of the river have top notch rafting waters, but it also winds through a belittling steep walled canyon that is sure to impress. In the afternoon, we'll break for a tasty river feast, and then head into town to grab some showers, do some laundry and prepare for our next backpacking excursion!

Day 8-11

Visiting Yellowstone National Park is always sure to be an eye-opening experience as you watch steaming geysers firing into action, waterfalls roaring above your head, and herds of bison meandering around the area. Before embarking into the backcountry, what tour through Yellowstone would be complete without making a stop to visit Old Faithful! Appropriately named, Old Faithful will amaze us with its hourly burst of steam and water, sometimes reaching 120 feet high! Next, our backpacking trip will take us into the Black Canyon along the rushing Yellowstone River. Each day we'll reach our new campsite shortly after lunch allowing us time to explore our surroundings, play games and swim; always hopeful to spot the frequent bald eagle or river otter that are so common along this stretch of river.

Day 12-14

Following our second and final backcountry hike, we'll again head toward the water. Next on the agenda is our sea kayaking voyage through Yellowstone's mountain lake. Home to the second largest high alpine lake in the world, Yellowstone is an ideal location to take out some kayaks to truly absorb its natural beauty. Once we're in our sea kayaks we'll put our arms to use and rest our legs as we glide across this large lake. From our boats we can even see steaming geysers and bubbles coming from the bottom of the lake! On our second morning on the water we'll paddle for the first hour in silence in hopes to see wildlife having a morning drink from the lake. While out there, we're likely see elk, mule deer, bison, moose and possibly a wolf! Such a unique experience to kayak in waters where no motorized boat traffic is even allowed.

Day 15-16

Our final day together is spent celebrating the end of our quest by rafting the wild Snake River in Jackson Hole! By now, we're truly seasoned whitewater rafters and are sure to conquer rapids such as "Big Kahuna" and "Lunchcounter." Following the rapids we'll wander through the historic town of Jackson before gathering for our end-of-summer banquet. That night we shall feast! At our banquet, awards will be given and final pictures taken of our summer family. Tonight we'll sleep out under the stars together and in the morning head to the airport.